Should We Have a Better Definition of Pseudoparalysis in Patients With Rotator Cuff Tears?

Pseudoparalysis has been previously described as the inability to elevate the arm over 90° in the setting of a rotator cuff tear. Controversy exists regarding the optimal treatment for patients with a pseudoparalytic shoulder with a rotator cuff tear with options including rotator cuff repair and reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Recent literature suggests that pseudoparalysis can reliably be corrected with a rotator cuff repair and is more cost effective than reverse shoulder arthroplasty. We believe that the arbitrary cutoff of 90° is too generous and leads to confusion. We believe that the definition of pseudoparalysis needs to be refined to clarify indications for treatment and not base a decision on a simple measurement without other factors considered. We suggest that pseudoparalysis as a description should include elevation limited to up to 45°. The patient should also be described as having a chronic and essentially atraumatic onset of symptoms and the rotator cuff tear is massive with at least grade II to III fatty infiltration. Only with increasing precision and describing the actual patient situation and limitations will we be more able to correctly compare treatment alternatives.